A RECEPTIONIST has spoken of a long-standing friendship which has persuaded her to lace up her trainers for this year’s Pink Ribbon Walk.

Louise Hewetson, 54, first met her pal Loraine Davey when they were at university in the 1990s.

And when Loraine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, Mrs Hewetson was determined to do all she could to help.

Now she, along with hundreds of others, will take part in Blenheim Palace’s 10th annual Pink Ribbon Walk on Saturday, May 10.

Mrs Hewetson said: “Loraine has a very positive outlook. She is very determined and she is a fighter. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. I’m doing it for her.

“We have shared a special life.”

The two women both have three children and regularly catch up at each other’s homes.

Mrs Hewetson’s own family has also been affected by cancer – her aunt, Kitty, died of the disease.

The mum-of-three, who still keeps in touch with Kitty’s family, is determined to spread the message about breast cancer.

Mrs Hewetson, who lives in Middleton Cheney, near Banbury, and is mum to Chloe, 25, Thom, 23, and Callum 21, said: “This is not just for Loraine and Kitty, but to raise awareness for everybody. I think a lot of people are touched by breast cancer.”

Mrs Hewetson regularly takes her three springer spaniels Ella, Flossy and Meg out for walks in the countryside, but admitted: “The training is not coming along.”

She will be completing the challenge with her friend and colleague Mel Harris.

Mrs Hewetson has raised nearly £300 for Breast Cancer Care and thanked her friends and family for their support.

More than 800 people will dress in pink for the 10- or 20-mile course around the grounds of the Woodstock palace.

Organisers hope that the event will help raise £230,000 for the charity, which provides information and support, and campaigns for better care.